When I was younger I met the season of fall with a certain amount of excitement and sadness at the same time. I loved the colors of fall, the cool air and playing football. However, along with the loves of the season I also felt loss and sadness. I found it difficult to understand my mixed feelings.
As I became a holistic practitioner, I learned more about our rhythms with the seasons. I was able to make some sense out of what I was going through.
The fall season has arrived and soon she will show her colors. Besides the brilliant leaves we are starting to feel the nip in the air, the shortened daylight hours, and the sense of gathering whether it be the fruits or vegetables for winter storage or firewood for the fireplace.
In the 5 element theory of oriental medicine the season of autumn is associated with the element of Metal. This element governs organization, order, communication, the mind, limits and boundaries. So it makes sense that this is the time to finish the projects we started earlier in the year. We harvest the bounty of our work. It is also the time we start to begin more introspective, indoor projects.
The Fire element ruled the summer. At this time we dealt more with the external, be it traveling or being outdoors. Fall, on the other hand, is about organizing especially your life for the winter season ahead. At this time we come more inside our bodies and minds to reflect.
The lungs and the large intestine are the organs associated with the metal element. Some of the emotions of the lungs are sadness, letting go and yearning. This process is what was going on with me when I was younger. It is often difficult for me and others who love the summer season to give up the long days and the warmth. Yet being a Libra I also loved the fall and the vivid colors of the leaves.
Through nutrition, acupuncture and learning to be in the moment, I now embrace all of the seasons with anticipation for what they will bring to me.
Here are some ideas that might benefit you during this fall season. Sleep is important during this time of year. It has been said that ancients advised people to retire early at night and rise with the crowing of the rooster. We should be well rested so our lungs remain vibrant and strong. The lung is the uppermost organ in the body and is especially susceptible to the wind and cold. And this season is the beginning of wind and cold. The lungs control the Wei-Qi, which is the defensive Qi that protects you from the flu and colds. The Wei-Qi circulates on the surface between the skin and muscles and works to warm the body. If the Wei-Qi is weak, the skin and muscles will not be warmed properly. This is why people tend to feel cold when they are sick.
It is important to dress appropriately for the weather. If still dressed for summer it is an open invitation to coughs, sore throats and colds. Remember when your mom said cover up your head and neck with a scarf and hat. It was to keep the wind out. Use of a netti pot or Nasopure nasal system can keep your nose and sinuses clean and clear. The nose is the opening to the lungs and keeping them clear helps rid the nose of excess mucus.
What you eat is also important. Eating cold and raw foods can cause dampness and promote phlegm. This in turn ends up in the lungs. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and butter can also create phlegm. Moderate amounts of pungent foods like garlic, onions, ginger, and horseradish and mustard are beneficial to the lungs.
Any time we go into a new season it is a good time to have a change of season acupuncture treatment. This is especially important in the fall season as this is the time our immune systems are very susceptible. It is the beginning of the cold and flu season.
Remember that our Qi is derived from two sources, the vital essence of air (Heaven) and food (Earth). The lung which extracts that Qi fro the air is vulnerable at this time. And it is also the best time to nuture and heal it.
Fall is definitely a transition time and hopefully with some of this information you can better understand its energies.
